Apple is back in the spotlight. The age old adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away?may have to be dusted from the shelves of the memory bank and brought back into focus again. Several new research studies are showing that the apple fruit packs a powerful punch when it comes to antioxidant power.

Some of the readers may be familiar with the role of antioxidants in the reduction of heart attack and cancer risk. Although the role of Vitamin C and E in reducing heart attacks and cancer have been enhanced and diminished cyclically by research, the role of a group of compounds called lavanoids?have remained positive. The antioxidant power of the flavanoids and their role in reducing the risk of heart attack and cancer have formed one of the basis for recommending increased fruit consumption in our diets.

In a recent update of the apple story provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research, apple has been resurrected once again. An adult requires about 75 to 90 mg of Vitamin C per day. A medium-sized apple contains only about 6 mg of Vit C which is grossly insufficient to meet the daily requirements. But, a recent research has calculated the antioxidant power of an apple to be equal to 1,500 mg of Vitamin C for a medium-sized fruit. Most of this antioxidant power comes from the lavanoids?